The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Leaky Brain

Posted by: Mindd Foundation

The Connection between Leaky Gut and Leaky Brain

The intestines and the brain could not be further apart anatomically within our bodies. They are known to have different roles, with the brain often thought of as the ‘master’ and valued more highly than the gut.

Leaky Gut and Leaky Brain?

However, research has shown that the gut and brain are intricately connected. They even communicate regularly through a ‘nervous system language’ of small molecules and proteins. And both have a direct effect on overall health.1So, when either the brain or gut are disturbed, it can create physical and physiological imbalances. This may lead to a gastrointestinal complaint, anxiety or depression, or all of these.This situation can occur when someone suffers from what is often called ‘leaky gut syndrome’.

The brain and gut are intricately connected and communicate in a bi-directional manner.

Leaky gut – syndrome or symptom?

Leaky gut syndrome is not a medically diagnosed condition. It is a term used when the intestinal wall has increased permeability or hyperpermeability.

The intestines are designed to act as a barrier to the internal environment of the body. They provide protection from potentially dangerous molecules, such as pathogens and toxins.

The problem occurs when the intestinal barrier is damaged, due to certain triggers, oxidative stress or inflammation. The gates, called tight junctions, between the epithelial cells that make up the intestinal wall open up. This means substances that would normally stay in the intestine or be excreted by the body, can travel into the inner layer of our intestinal wall and our blood stream. The intestine is more permeable, it is ‘leaky’, and bigger particles can fit through.2

This stimulates the immune system and the release of inflammatory mediators against these substances. These molecules, which are now classed as foreign or dangerous, may be the healthy bacteria that normally live in intestines or particles of food normally eaten. This process can trigger more inflammation, allergic responses, further increases in intestinal permeability, changes in nervous system function and opioid type reactions, affecting mood and behavior.3

The gut and brain axis – Leaky Gut and Leaky Brain

The brain and gut communicate in a bi-directional manner. Disturbances in the brain from either physical or psychological stress affect gut function, while imbalances in the gut environment can produce behavioural and neuro-chemical changes.3

The gastrointestinal system contains its own nervous system – the enteric nervous system. It is through this system, and a nerve called the vagus nerve, along with endocrine (hormones) and immune pathways, that researchers believe the gut communicates with the brain.4

The gastrointestinal enteric nervous system also regulates intestinal permeability.3

The micro-organisms residing in our intestines also play a role in nervous system health and function. Recent research shows that the gut bacteria communicate electrically with each other through proteins called ‘ion channels’, just like the nerve cells in the brain.5

Additionally, 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut.

The neurotransmitter serotonin is important for healthy mood and sleep. It appears intestinal cells called enterochromaffin (EC) cells, which produce serotonin, may rely heavily on gut microbes for this function.6

Therefore, a healthy intestinal wall and a balanced gut microbiota are crucial to maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and neurological conditions.

Neurological conditions related to intestinal permeability

Studies have associated ‘leaky gut’ with the following conditions:

schizophrenia

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

bipolar disorder

depression

rett’s syndrome

anxiety

parkinson’s disease3

In regards to ASD, animal models designed to replicate ASD symptoms show gut barrier disturbances. In one human study, 36.7% of the 90 children with ASD tested, displayed abnormal intestinal permeability compared to relatives and controls.3

However, studies testing intestinal permeability in individuals with ASD have had mixed results. This potentially highlights variability within the condition and the need for individual testing and treatment.

A widely used screening test for intestinal permeability is the lactulose-mannitol (L/M) test, while a functional stool test will provide further information on intestinal bacteria levels and environmental health.

One concern with ASD is the effect of opioid peptides (protein fractions) from cow’s milk (casein) and gluten. These fractions are supposed to be broken down in a healthy gut environment by digestive enzymes, such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV, but their absorption into the bloodstream may be increased with intestinal permeability.7

Opioid peptides can disturb gut function and increase pain and constipation. In the brain, these peptides may be linked to developmental disturbances, learning and interpersonal skill difficulties, and behavioural problems indicative of ASD.7

These peptides and intestinal permeability have also been linked to schizophrenia.3,8

What triggers intestinal permeability?

There are many potential causes for ‘leaky gut’, including:

stress, physical or physiological

gliadin, a protein component of gluten

casein, cow’s milk protein

food additives

nutritional deficiencies

dietary allergens

alcohol

parasitic and bacterial infection

imbalanced microbiota (gut microbes)

chemotherapy

injuries and burns

autoimmune conditions

some medications, such as non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin

modern food processing.2,3,9,10,11,12,13

Therapies for intestinal permeability

There are also many nutritional and herbal therapies available for repairing the intestinal barrier, reducing oxidative damage and inhibiting inflammatory processes.

All treatments need to be individualised by a qualified healthcare practitioner to each patient according to diagnostic testing, severity, symptom picture and genetic and family history.